Ear Size and Number of Kernels Being Determined Now
Just as diet and nutrition play a key role in how well an athlete performs, corn plants need a well- balanced diet for optimal performance. We’re at a critical point in the growing season as ear size is being determined, so the slightest nutritional deficiency now can cost you yield in the end. Take a plant tissue analysis to assess where your fertility program is, and then make plans to protect your crop from in-season nitrate loss. In a wet spring like this one, it’s common for nitrate leaching to occur. However, there’s still time to remedy the situation. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient, so the timing of fertilizer application is critical to meet a plant’s needs. Nitrogen management, spoon feeding the plant when it needs it, unquestionably affects total yield. Once you’ve fed the crop, you control weeds to maximize plant health. Early-season weeds rob yields you cannot see at harvest. Crops have a better chance of reaching optimal yield when they’re not competing with weeds for sunlight, water and nutrients. Weeds should be controlled with tillage, herbicides, or a combination of tactics so the crop can become well established under weed-free conditions. By following 5 small steps, farmers will make giant strides toward weed control:
Closely monitor problem areas for tough-to-control weeds.
Apply herbicides correctly. Follow guidelines for proper application methods and rates. And, remember, timing of application is critical.
Don’t be satisfied with “economic thresholds” for weed control. Remain vigilant in your fight against weeds all season long.
Clean your equipment to prevent the spread of weeds.
Lastly, surviving weeds must not be allowed to set seed.
Rotating between various herbicide traits is important from the standpoint of reducing weed resistance. Rotating traits, especially insect resistance traits in corn, is especially important for the same reasons – to decrease the risk of insects becoming resistant to those traits and also to improve overall trait performance. We need to be good stewards of these traits and rotate them whenever possible!
Recently I read this quote by the Dalai Lama: “When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But when you listen, you may learn something new.”
How profound! I have said many, many times that we must listen and try to understand others’ viewpoints and concerns before we can communicate why we farm and ranch the way we do. We must try to understand where people are getting their information, and what this information portrays farming to be. Only then can we understand how people process information and what they think about farming.
Others’ opinions are greatly influenced by outside sources. I’ve learned how crucial it is to find out to whom consumers are listening. In my experience, people with the strongest convictions on any certain subject are the ones who listen to rhetoric that feeds on emotions. The more their emotional heart strings are pulled, the tighter they hold onto their opinions!
That’s why it’s so important to consider the source… Did it The Des Moines Register? (Mainstream media doesn’t always cover both sides of the story nor does it necessarily get the facts straight!) If research is cited, who paid for it? Did the information come from a special interest group? If a consumer is concerned about food safety, did he or she consult with a dietician or a doctor? Or did the consumer get his or her information from the “experts,” who set up the new school lunch program? Perhaps the consumer first consult google, which is always right. Right?
All of these sources of information glean their information somewhere. For example, information may be from radical organizations with an agenda such as Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). This “non-profit organization” claims to care for animals, but it’s more about raising money to end animal agriculture. The more a person gets to know about HSUS, the better understanding they have the organizations true interest.
It’s also important to follow the money to find out how it may influence opinion. Newspapers want large circulations to keep their advertising sales strong. As a result, editors may be listening to a group here in Iowa like the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. I often see opinions in our state’s biggest paper from this group. Ironically, ICCI supports regulations to “protect” small farmers. As a small farmer, regulations make it more difficult for me to farm.
Regulations also have been a catalyst in farm consolidation. One example is the COOL law, or the Country of Origin Labeling. This law prevented me from sourcing my pigs from the best place I could find, which just happened to be in Canada. I had to turn to sources of pigs that were inferior, which puts me at a disadvantage because larger farmers raise their own pigs.
As you can see, not all sources of information are true experts on a subject matter. Even bonafide experts’ information may be biased by an ulterior motive or influenced by politics. Cargill’s announcement to eliminate all gestation stalls wasn’t about being better caretakers of pregnant sows. It was an image ploy to help keep their position in the market place.
Everyone has some kind of bias, I know. The way you were raised and your experiences all lead to the decisions you make and the advice you give. However, my experience has taught me there is a lot of information out there about farming. I’m all for letting consumers buy what they want, and I support food choice.
When a certain group tries to tell that another groups its products are wrong, or worse yet, they try to get regulations passed that limit choices, then I speak up. We all should!
Dairy Days of Summer, which showcase the dairy industry and help promote a better understanding between producers and consumers, are a big deal in Wisconsin. Literally. An estimated 2,000 people attended an event Saturday on Son-Bow Farms near Maiden Rock.
“Dairy breakfasts remain a tradition because they bring dairy farmers and consumers closer together to share appreciation of dairy heritage and the beauty of a Wisconsin dairy farm,” reads a recent article printed by the Red Wing Republican Eagle. “The dairy industry alone contributes $26.5 billion annually to Wisconsin’s economy. While it is understood dairy is important to diet and wellbeing, it is also important to showcase the effort going into producing our favorite food.”
People traveled far and wide to enjoy favorite foods including Dad’s Belgium Waffles topped with fresh, Real® butter and whipped cream plus sausage, milk and fruit. While waiting in line to take a wagon tour of the 1,000-cow dairy, I couldn’t resist the lightly-breaded, deep-fried (to perfection!) cheese curds from Ellsworth Co-op Creamery.
Antique tractors were on display. Other displays, like “Rethink Your Drink” that compared calorie and sugar levels of popular drinks from soda and sports drinks to milk, helped educate attendees about dairy nutrition.
To encourage people to stay healthy, Latham Forage Product Manager Corey Catt and his emergency service colleagues gave demonstrations about Hands Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR, without mouth-to-mouth breaths, is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse. It consists of two easy steps:
Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do that).
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
When you call 911, the American Heart Association says you need to stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher (operator) tells you to hang up. The dispatcher will ask for details like your location, which is especially important if you’re calling from a mobile phone that is not associated with a fixed location or address. Remember, answering the dispatcher’s questions will not delay the arrival of help.
Take care of yourself! Eat properly and watch for signs of distress. Proper nutrition is key to making good decisions.
Not drinking enough liquids can alter a person’s mood, decrease his energy level or affect his ability to think clearly. It’s especially easy to get dehydrated during hot, humid days of summer. Drink plenty! Water, dairy products, tea and fruit or vegetable juices can help you stay hydrated.
Guest Blog by Val Plagge Val is a farmer, wife, mom and volunteer discovering “fields of opportunity” in North Iowa. She blogs at Corn, ‘Beans, Pigs and Kids.
I have so many great memories from my childhood of having fun with my family from playing in the creek in our backyard, to going to the State Fair, to visiting National Park across the United States. I want to create some of those great memories for my kids too and that is what I created a Family Summer Bucket List.
One item we have on our Bucket List is to go on an Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip during the month of June in honor of National Dairy Month, by visiting an ice cream destination each week. During Week 1 we stopped at one of our all-time favorite summer ice cream stands, The Whippy Dip in Decorah. The Whippy Dip is a seasonal walk-up stand that serves creamy and rich soft serve ice cream, along with a lunch and snack menu. A neat side note is that The Whippy Dip sources its milk from a local dairy. You wouldn’t expect anything different in Iowa’s dairy country!
The Whippy Dip keeps its ice cream simple by offering only vanilla and chocolate flavors and then letting you make your dish unique by providing many mix-ins. I personally always go for a Cookie Dough Tornado with chocolate ice cream (think Dairy Queen’s Blizzard – but better!). They double layer the delicious chocolate soft serve with real cookie dough (not the cookie dough balls found at other ice cream places. I’m talking about a scoopful of real cookie dough so you can have some in every bite) and mix it up. Then they add a little extra cookie dough on top!
During Week 2 we visited Hansen’s Farm Fresh Dairy outside of Hudson. We thought it would be good to have a first-hand look at the process and story behind our ice cream. Hansen’s Farm has been in Iowa for around 150 years and currently the 6th generation owns and operates the farm, with the 7th generation growing up and living on the farm. Twelve years ago when 5th generation owners and operators, Jay and Jeanne Hansen, saw that four of their children wanted to come back to the farm they knew they needed a way to add value to their family dairy farm, so the 6th generation that wanted to come back to the farm could, and that is how the on-farm creamery began. In November of 2002 construction began on the creamery and in February of 2004 the creamery produced its first gallon of milk.
Hansen’s Dairy sells a variety of products including milk, cheese curds, butter and over 30 flavors of ice cream! What we love about their ice cream is that it’s very rich and thick. You can buy Hansen’s Dairy products (including their delicious ice cream) at many locations across the Northeast quadrant of Iowa, or if you are ever in the Waterloo area I recommend you going to their Moo Roo ice cream store or their Dairy Outlet store, or head out to the actual Dairy Farm. They have products available at their tour center.
And today during Week 3 of our Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip we are heading to the ultimate ice cream destination, “The Ice Cream Capital of the World” Le Mars, Iowa, for Ice Cream Days. We are excited to see everything Blue Bunny and of course have some delicious ice cream!
So if this hasn’t made you crave ice cream yet, maybe this will, my family’s Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream recipe!
Once again, this week we were reminded just how cruel Mother Nature can be! Crazy late-spring thunderstorms and tornados swept across Latham Country from eastern Nebraska through eastern Iowa on Monday evening. Heavy rains fell early this week across the Dakotas and into Minnesota and Wisconsin, too.
More than six inches of rain fell on Monday night in some areas of Franklin County, Iowa, with an additional 1.5 to 2 inches falling last night. Winds gusting at 70 miles per hour flattened crops, power lines and grain bins alike. The loss of property is disheartening, and our hearts go out to those who are trying to clean up and put the pieces together again. (Click here for tips on talking with consumers about storm damage.)
“The farmer has to be an optimist or he wouldn’t still be a farmer,” said Will Rogers, the cowboy entertainer who was known for his wit and wisdom. So today, we’re going to talk about the silver lining. Our crops needed moisture. Although they got more than they needed this week, the tile lines are running again. Moisture is building in the soil profile. With first crop hay baled, this rain will get the second cutting of alfalfa off to a good start. The warm temperatures and high humidity we’re experiencing will cause crops to grow like weeds!
Speaking of weeds, let’s hope the top soil dries enough soon for the corn and soybeans to get sprayed before they get too tall. Volunteer corn is prevalent in some areas this year, and volunteer corn must be treated as a weed. It not only competes with plants for moisture and nutrients, but volunteer corn is a food source for rootworm larvae. Volunteer corn that is not controlled by tasseling attracts corn rootworm beetles for egg laying.
It’s imperative that farmers continue scouting fields at least weekly to stay ahead of weed, insect and disease pressure. For an update on what Latham’s Regional Sales Managers are seeing in their territories, click on “From the Field” and choose a region from the drop-down box on the right-hand side.
The Des Moines Register did it again… the first editorial on the Opinion page of Sunday’s paper fueled another blog post. I’m glad the Register gives me material, but I’d rather these editors would just get the facts straight!
“Farmers must lead, not resist, change” reads the Sunday headline. Further down the article, the copy reads: “Iowa and other Midwest agricultural states should acknowledge changing consumer attitudes and take the lead on improving food safety, livestock conditions and environmental protection.”
Paragraph two reads: “Iowans have grown skeptical of, if not hostile to, some aspects of modern farming, including genetically modified seeds and chemical additives in food. They want to know what is in their food and how livestock is treated.”
I doubt the writers realize their editorial is sending conflicting messages. On one hand, Iowa farmers are asked to be more environmentally responsible. On the other hand, we’re being asked to farm the way we did in the “good old days.” These two trains of thought of incongruent! So, which is it?
The Sunday Register editorial makes it seem so simple… Listen and change to meet consumers’ desires. What these writers (and consumers) don’t understand how complex agriculture is and how many different types of farming operations there are. What works for one farmer may or may not work for his neighbor. What works in one state may not work in another given different climates and practices.
Another consumer outcry is for farmers to raise pigs outside in a more “natural environment.” I used to raise pigs outside. Because I try to eliminate all the stress that I can for my animals, today I raise my hogs inside climate-controlled barns. Disease and death loss has significantly decreased since I have been raising pigs in a climate-controlled environment. On a cold, windy day with wind chills of 45 degrees below zero, the reality is that my pigs are way better off inside. On a night like last night where winds were gusting at 70 mph and rain was pelting down like bullets, the reality is that my pigs are way better off inside.
You see, farmers are leading and farming practices have changed over the years for good reason. The practices I use on my farm are done for a reason, and “the consumer” could at least try to understand. Consumers also must listen to what farmers have to say.
Listening goes both ways! As a farmer, I try to listen but I must do what I believe is right for my livestock and my land. I must use the farming methods that work best for me and my farm. I will keep listening, and speaking about why I do what I do!
“I went through somewhat of a cottage cheese culture shock from 2005-2008 when I moved to the Twin Cities for a few years and had to fill up on my favorite AE product every time I came home, blogs Kristin. ”Nothing in the grocery stores up there compared to the pure taste and luscious texture of AE’s cottage cheese, which I simply adore, so I was beyond excited to sit down with the president and CEO of the third generation, family-owned business, Miriam Erickson Brown last month to tour the plant and taste some dairy!
Kristin Porter touring the AE Dairy with president and CEO Miriam Erickson Brown.
Great taste is the goal, but Erickson Brown says an unyielding focus on quality is a requirement. All of the raw milk used by AE Dairy comes from Iowa family farms and is tested for purity. The turnaround time from raw milk delivery to grocery store shelves is anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, and the shelf life is relatively short. Other dairies heat their milk to extend shelf life, AE Dairy does because that affects the taste.
Doesn’t this recipe sound perfect for a summer brunch or a picnic in the park? I’m certainly looking forward to trying it! What’s your favorite way to enjoy dairy?
Cooler spring temperatures mean slower egg maturation in 2014 for corn rootworm. Last week Iowa State University entomologists reported the corn rootworm hatch is underway.
Blackcutworm moths migrate from the south in the spring and the moths lay eggs in grassy and broad-leaf weeds. Data from moth flight monitoring traps suggests that cutting activity from black cutworms might be noticeable around May 28 in northeast and north central Iowa.
Scout now for black cutworm, and be a vigilant scout from the time corn plants emerge until plants reach the 6-leaf stage.Newly hatched larvae will chew small, irregular holes in corn leaves. While this early injury does not damage plants significantly, it should be used as an early warning of possible black cutworm infestations. As larvae grow, they are capable of cutting the stems and stalks of corn plants and significantly reducing the stands.
Look for plants with wilting, leaf discoloration and damage, and those that are either missing or are cut off at the soil surface. Note areas with suspected damage and return later to assess further damage. A rescue treatment approach is the best strategy for dealing with this pest.
Another pest of concern is corn rootworm, which has earned the nickname the “billion-dollar bug.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates damage caused by this pest and costs associated with controlling it typically total $1 billion annually!
Corn and soybean crops are making excellent progress for the most part now that temperatures have warmed and ample rain has fallen. For a look at local planting progress and crop conditions around our six state territory, click here and select a region from the drop down menu.
Iowa’s corn emergence rating of 98% is slightly ahead of the five-year average. Soybean emergence is rated 87 percent, which is just over a week ahead of normal. The exception to this week’s positive crop report is southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska, which was pounded by hail on June 3.
Hailed fields must be watched closely for weed flushes, although weed pressure is a challenge on all acres this spring. Recent rainfalls is making it difficult for the timely application of post-emergence herbicides in some territories across Latham Country. Crops are developing quickly, and many post-herbicides are limited by growth stage and/or crop height. Be sure to check crop development before entering a field, and carefully read all product labels. Also check weed speed and direction to avoid herbicide drift.
This past seven days was one of those weeks when it was difficult to remember if I was coming or going! The week of World Pork Expo is always busy, but this year several speaking engagements made my schedule even tighter. I didn’t want to say no to any of them because I believe each one had merit. Today I’m sharing diary excerpts to give you an idea of what goes on “behind the scenes,” or perhaps I should say “behind the mic,” at an Iowa hog farm.
Barb & I at National Pork Board
Monday I had the opportunity to meet this year’s class of leaders being trained by the National Pork Board as Barb Determan and I were asked to serve on a media panel. Barb shared tips on how to work with “old school media” by conducting radio and TV interviews. I talked about how communicating has changed in recent years and shared why I believe we must tell our stories through social media. No matter the medium, Barb and I agree that farmers must be honest and open with what we do inside our hog barns!
Tuesday I traveled about an hour away from home to meet in person with a group of Kiwanis. They had invited me to their meeting in Waterloo to talk about how raising pigs has changed over the years. I always enjoy meeting face-to-face with curious and interested individuals.
Wednesday began early with a breakfast in Parkersburg where I shared my message about Operation Main Street (OMS) with the Rotary club. Then my wife, Janice, and I made the nearly two-hour trip to Des Moines for the first day of World Pork Expo. We stood in a long line for a pork burger before watching the pig judging.
I love the little kids in the right-hand corner! Trent Loos’ daughter is the older girl in the center.
It’s always great to watch the kids circle their pigs in front of the judge, vying for the perfect spot for him to see their pig. There were so many fantastic looking pigs this year! These judges have a tough job! In the hog barns, we ran into the Loos family from Nebraska. Trent’s wife, Kelli, told us the sad story about a tornado hitting their farm while they were in Des Moines. More about that later…
Also on Wednesday, I attended a meeting to learn what’s new with PEDv. Several industry leaders told of what has been learned about this virus, which has killed more than 7 million baby pigs within the last year. Janice and I returned home after a full day of attending meetings and meeting up with old friends.
Thursday I returned to Des Moines and recorded a video for National Pork Board to use when someone calls in with questions about raising pigs. This is just one more way to get the word out about what I do.
That afternoon I attended more OMS training on how to become a better spokesman. It’s amazing what you can learn when you get out of the hog barn!
Thursday evening’s reception with food company execs
Thursday evening I was invited to a reception for the International Food Information Council, a group of top executives representing large food companies from around the world. Companies like DuPont Pioneer, which sponsored this event, invited a dozen farmers like me. Can you imagine an old hog farmer explaining to a couple of top executives, from big cities, why and how we dock tails and castrate pigs? The old hog farmer wasn’t even me, but I was fascinated as I listened to this conversation. Watching their facial expressions was priceless! (Click here to read a recount from Dan, an Iowa cattle producer who was also in attendance Thursday evening.)
Honestly, we need more events like this. Great information sharing took place. I talked with executives from Coke, McDonalds, Kraft and Nestlé, General Mills and more. They wanted to learn about farming, and I wanted to hear their concerns. I also made some great connections like Tony Flood, senior director for Food Safety & Defense with the International Food Information Council Foundation in Washington, D.C. He wants to continue our talk, and that’s always a good indicator!
Thursday night I stayed with our son Corey and his kids, who live in Pleasant Hill. Fortunately, they live near the fairgrounds because Friday started early! The fairgrounds were eerily empty at 6:30 AM. As I made my way to breakfast, I ran into Doug Fricke. As director of Trade Show Marketing for National Pork Producers Council, Doug is the top person responsible for making this show great. We talked about the weather, of course! The great weather we experienced last week made a great show even better.
Pig farmer Larry Sailer and farm broadcaster Trent Loos sport red shirts to show appreciation for our nation’s troops, carrying on a tradition that started by the women’s Auxiliary to thank troops returning from WWII.
Next I literally crossed paths unexpectedly with Trent Loos! We were the only two people on the street, and he asked if I had 48 minutes. I thought he needed a ride to the airport and said, “Sure.” I always try to make time for friends. Then I learned Trent really needed a guest for his daily Loos Tales radio show, which is 48 minutes long! What an honor to be a part of that show, celebrating the 70th anniversary of D-day.
During this radio program, I learned the extent of damage from the tornado that Kelli mentioned earlier in the week. Their house is still standing but the roof was 100% damaged, so Trent thought he could just live in a grain bin. It’s always interesting talking to Trent because I never know what direction the conversation is going to take!
Even though I literally took a detour on my path to Friday morning’s OMS training, I got there in time to gain a few tips on how to improve my talks with high school VoAg and culinary classes. Then I finished my day WPX by attending a class on social media. Finally, I had to say “enough is enough!”
Just as diet and nutrition play a key role in how well an athlete performs, corn plants need a well- balanced diet for optimal performance. We’re at a critical point in the growing season as ear size is being determined, so the slightest nutritional deficiency now can cost you yield in the end. Take a plant tissue analysis to assess where your fertility program is, and then make plans to protect your crop from in-season nitrate loss. In a wet spring like this one, it’s common for nitrate leaching to occur. However, there’s still time to remedy the situation. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient, so the timing of fertilizer application is critical to meet a plant’s needs. Nitrogen management, spoon feeding the plant when it needs it, unquestionably affects total yield. Once you’ve fed the crop, you control weeds to maximize plant health. Early-season weeds rob yields you cannot see at harvest. Crops have a better chance of reaching optimal yield when they’re not competing with weeds for sunlight, water and nutrients. Weeds should be controlled with tillage, herbicides, or a combination of tactics so the crop can become well established under weed-free conditions. By following 5 small steps, farmers will make giant strides toward weed control:
